[alice]

After graduating, I'm pretty set on doing a Masters probably in 'Enterprise' or Design and art direction, but I'll still specialise in web design & new media.

What do you reckon of the industry's general view of a designer with post grad qualifications?

should i expect bit of snobbery, when it comes to interviews?

I don't want to look over-qualified, or up my own ass, but I want to study more?

post-grad qualifications - any views?

[tomson]

Got a friend who did a couple of degrees and has a masters in photography. Currently a creative director so it didnt do her any harm. I think if you're doing something relevant then its all valid to your development within the industry.

But on the other hand, you could spend that time gaining valuable hands-on commercial experience...

But if you wanna learn, go for it. Its probably easier to go straight into it while you're in the learning mind-set than having a break in your career.

So, to sum up... i dunno

[Mr Fred]

whats "Enterprise" ?

[Bill Posters]

:statingtheobvious:

They're more useful for development and exploration than vocational use.
If you decide to go for it, then I highly recommend that you get some practical experience in your chosen field under your belt (at least) during the final year because, as you point out, you can actually educate yourself right out of the game.
That being said, it can certainly open other doors for you - doors that you might not normally expect to be open to you, doors that you may not have previously considered by that may actually appeal to you more by that point.

As bad as it may sound, the inherent nepotism of certain courses can be a good thing when you're on the inside looking out. It can certainly help you start a bit higher up the ladder and can help you gain credibility (particularly with the press and clients) sooner rather than later.

If you really feel that your work isn't in the place that you want it to be, then a post-grad course could give you the extra time and space you need to take it there.
But as said, use the time wisely, because it's just as competitive for a post-grad graduate and you'll find success (however you consider it) much easier to come by if you meet the ground running.

Use the time to find out what appeals to you at your core and develop you talent for it.
Don't rely on the qualification to do the work for you (though it will do *some* of the work for you). Be sure that you've used the opportunity to find out what you're about and how best to show that to the world.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

[alice]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.
moment of clarity! Thanks for the reasurance.

Originally Posted by japanmik

whats "Enterprise" ?

Thats the title, Ma Enterprise, its more design managment/team-building/directorial based, but with no specific media, gives more opportunities to network and get into the industry. Whereas Masters in design - mainly concerns skills, processes, like an extension of a BA.
Downside is Enterprise is doubly expensive compared to the average masters - ie £6,000 but I'm guessin it should pay back in the long run
Probably for the more ambitious stud, with more money than sense, rich parents - except me, I'm off to graft at my poo paid part-time job, scrounge every penny! - before the government screw us for triple!!! in 2006

but anyways thanks again!

[mark]

I did an Electronic Media masters and found that most people in the industry don't care what your qualifications are. Some clients like to see it, but again it's never come up as a specific issue.

I found the course to be a useful outlet for experimental and more risky work that you'd never get a client to fund.

If you can afford it then do it. In terms of career advancement I don't think there's much of a case in favour.

Hope this helps.

[Brown]

when getting a team together for a project, its looks good to have someone who is 'educated' within the group, i find it adds weight especially in public sector work. that said, i've never found education (or lack of) to be a barrier within this industry.

like bill said, its a good place to meet people and can advance you through the 'who you know' circles which is often worth its weight in gold.

again, i'd lke to re-itterate that commercial experience is massively necessary. i've met some chaps with 4/5 years of 'study' and their general knowledge of software, theories, languages etc is excellent but ask them to put it into a practical application and you're wasting your time. make sure that you produce something special during your time studying, or, work a placement into your ma.

[Bill Posters]

Originally Posted by Brown

i've met some chaps with 4/5 years of 'study' and their general knowledge of software, theories, languages etc is excellent but ask them to put it into a practical application and you're wasting your time.

I'll just get me coat…

[Brown]

if i'd know it was going to be that easy i'd have said it a long time ago.

[Mr Fred]

and me

[Bill Posters]

**** you and the horse you rode in on.


[edit] [/edit]

[JiRaffe]

rode

[Bill Posters]

Originally Posted by JiRaffe

rode

I think it's called blind rage.

[Brown]

i've informed the rspca about what bill wants to do to my horse. they say they're mildly appauled and blame it on increased internet use. they said that they will be in touch.